Large Rove Beetles

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Staphylininae: /ˌstæfəˈlɪnɪniː/

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Summary

Staphylininae are a subfamily of large rove beetles characterized by their unique body shapes and ecological diversity, playing significant roles in various ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Long, fairly robust, blunt-headed bodies with short elytra; body shapes can vary notably among different genera.

Identification Tips

Look for robust bodies and short wing coverings characteristic of rove beetles. Some genera may exhibit unique shapes.

Habitat

Commonly found in a variety of habitats including leaf litter, under stones, and in decaying organic matter.

Distribution

Globally distributed; found in diverse ecosystems across continents.

Diet

Predominantly carnivorous; they often feed on other insects and organic debris.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, and pupal stages before reaching maturity as adult beetles.

Reproduction

Females typically lay eggs in suitable habitats, where larvae emerge and develop through several instars before pupation.

Predators

Natural predators include larger beetles, birds, and other insectivorous animals.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in decomposing organic matter and controlling pest populations by preying on various insects.

Collecting Methods

• Pitfall traps
• Hand collecting from litter layers
• Sweep nets in grassy areas

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinning for dry specimens
• Storing in collection boxes

Evolution

Part of a large clade with several other subfamilies; evolutionary changes in classification have been suggested recently.

Similar Taxa

• Rove beetles
• Paederinae
• Euaesthetinae

Misconceptions

Often confused with other beetles due to their appearance, but they have distinct morphological features.

Tags

• Staphylininae
• rove beetles
• insects
• entomology